Joseph Gordon Coates

Gordon Coates was born and grew up in the Kaipara district. He became interested in politics, and was elected to Parliament representing Kaipara in 1911. At first he was an independent Liberal, but by 1914 he had joined the Reform party. In 1919 he became a minister in the Massey government. In 1921 he became Native Minister, and kept this role on becoming Prime Minister in 1925.

His sympathy for Maori grievances and his rapport with Maori leaders, including Apirana Ngata, led him to take a leading role in Maori issues. He was determined to 'remove old grievances so that economic and social change could proceed'.

Judged on the standards set by his predecessors, Coates had an impressive record as Native Minister. He settled Te Arawa and Ngati Tuwharetoa lakes claims, and Tuhoe land claims. He set an important precedent by creating the Arawa Trust Board to make claim settlement payments for tribal economic and social development.

He also established the Sim Commission to look into the land confiscations, which had caused much bitterness. Although it had limited terms of reference, the Sim Commission supported many Maori grievances.

Coates also helped set up the Maori Purposes Fund to make grants for educational, social and cultural activities. It also sponsored the Maori Arts and Crafts Act 1926 which established a carving school at Rotorua.

When Apirana Ngata succeeded him as Native Minister in the new United government in 1928, much of the groundwork for substantial reform had been laid. Coates continued to take part in New Zealand politics until his death in 1943.

• See also: biography of Joseph Gordon Coates at DNZB website